Representing the 2nd District of South Carolina

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Wilson Supports Creation of Department of Homeland Security

Jun 10, 2002

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Rep. Joe Wilson, R-SC, today made the following remarks in response to President Bush’s proposal of creating a new Department of Homeland Security.
“As officials elected by the American people, we have no greater calling than to do all we can in protecting our nation,” said Rep. Wilson. “It only stands to reason that we should have a single department charged with securing the safety of our homeland, instead of spreading the bureaucracy between over 100 different government organizations as we currently have today.”
On Thursday, President Bush gave an address to the nation, proposing that Congress create a new Department of Homeland Defense. This would be a cabinet-level agency, reporting directly to the President, and subject to oversight by the House and Senate. The new agency will do the following:
· Oversee our border and critical infrastructure protection.
· Communicate with state and local governments, private industry, and the American people about threats and preparedness.
· Protect Americans at home against bioterrorism and other weapons of mass destruction.
· Synthesize and analyze homeland security intelligence from multiple sources.
· Manage federal emergency response efforts.
“The president has taken a bold and needed step by asking for the creation of this new department. It is my hope that we in Congress will respond quickly as it is a critical measure needed to ensure the safety of all Americans,” said Rep. Wilson.
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